Once the caravan settled in the heart of the bustling city, the group began preparing for their next steps. They found themselves in a modest inn, where the scent of sandalwood wafted through the corridors and locals exchanged stories of their day.
As night began to drape its cloak over the city, the quartet gathered in a small room, the only light emanating from a flickering oil lamp. A map of Afghanistan was spread out before them, dotted lines tracing their intended path.
Kadir, with his past experience in the region, began outlining potential routes. "We need to head north if we're to find what Hffyl's looking for. There are a few towns we can stop by for supplies."
Omar nodded in agreement, "And it wouldn't hurt to connect with some local contacts. They might have information that can guide us."
Hffyl, however, seemed lost in his thoughts, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of the map. Azura, noticing his distant gaze, asked gently, "Hffyl? You okay?"
Hffyl looked up, his eyes tinged with sadness. "I miss my family. My grandparents, my parents, my little brother and sister... The longer we go, the more I feel their absence."
Azura placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. Being so far from home."
Hffyl sighed deeply, "I sometimes wonder if this journey is worth it. The risks, the challenges... I can't help but ask myself if I'll ever see them again."
Kadir leaned forward, his voice soft. "But you have to believe in the path you've chosen. The mystery we're trying to unravel, it's all leading to something. Something important."
Hffyl nodded, "I know..."
Omar chimed in, trying to lift the mood, "Hey, once we're done with this, we'll make sure you get back to Malaysia. We've been through rough seas, literally and figuratively."
As the four continued their journey, the terrain began to shift from the open expanse of the desert to rugged hills. The road began to climb, and soon, the silhouette of a city emerged in the distance.
Omar, squinting against the setting sun, was the first to speak. "What city is that?"
Kadir, scanning the horizon, replied, "It's not on the map. It doesn't look like any place I've been to before."
Hffyl, who had been quiet for a while, whispered, "Zarabad."
Azura, her curiosity piqued, asked, "How do you know about this place?"
Hffyl looked at her, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "I've heard tales. Elders spoke of a city near the Hindu Kush mountains, a remnant of the ancient Silk Road."
Kadir's interest was now thoroughly captured. "A city from the Silk Road era? That's... intriguing. But why haven't we heard of it before?"
Hffyl shrugged. "Legends spoke of its rich cultural heritage and vibrant bazaar. But over time, it might have been overshadowed by the more famous cities or perhaps its challenges kept it hidden."
Omar chimed in, "We should be careful. If it's not well-known, there's probably a reason."
As they approached the city gates, they were greeted by the sight of Zarabad's fort, standing majestically against the skyline, and the distant hum of activity from Bazaar-e-Zarabad.
A local, noticing the group's foreign attire, approached them with a friendly smile. "Welcome to Zarabad! What brings you here?"
Kadir replied, trying to keep his tone casual, "We're travelers, exploring the region. We've heard tales of Zarabad's beauty and wanted to see it for ourselves."
The local, nodding, said, "Ah, tales of our city have reached far, it seems. Well, enjoy your stay. And if you're here in the morning, the saffron fields are a sight to behold."
Hffyl, always curious, asked, "Thank you. We've also heard of the Masjid Al-Noor. Is it open to visitors?"
The local smiled. "Of course! It's one of our city's proudest landmarks. Just remember to be respectful when you visit."
As the group delved deeper into Zarabad, the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the city was tinged with an undercurrent of tension. Armed men, clad in attire that marked them as different from the locals, were scattered throughout the streets. They patrolled the bazaar with a vigilance that suggested they held significant influence.
Kadir, always astute in reading the environment, leaned in close to the others and whispered, "These men don't look like Taliban, but they're definitely not ordinary locals. We need to be cautious."
Hffyl, his gaze shifting between the armed men and the winding alleyways of the bazaar, asked in a hushed tone, "Any idea who they might be?"
Omar, scanning their surroundings, replied, "Hard to say. They don't have the usual Taliban insignia, but they seem organized, disciplined. Could be a splinter group, maybe even a rival faction."
Azura suggested, "Let's keep our heads down, blend in, and avoid drawing unnecessary attention. We're here to explore and gather information, not to stir trouble."
One of the armed men, his voice stern, spoke in Pashto. "Halt! You're not from here. What is your purpose in Zarabad?"
Hffyl, his heart pounding, tried to convey sincerity. "We're travelers, just passing through, exploring the city."
The armed man, seemingly unimpressed, gestured for his companions to search the group. They confiscated their belongings, including their maps and communication devices.
Azura, her voice steady, asked, "Why are you detaining us? We haven't done anything wrong."
The armed man remained stoic. "The city is in lockdown. No outsiders are allowed without permission. We have to ensure the safety of our people."
Kadir, realizing the gravity of the situation, tried to negotiate. "We mean no harm. We'll leave immediately if you allow us."
The armed man paused, contemplating their words. Then he nodded to his comrades, and they escorted the quad to a nearby makeshift holding area, a building on the outskirts of the city.